Threshold penile rigidity measuring device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus (10) for measuring a predetermined penile rigidity or hardness in a penile tumescent event. The apparatus (10) includes a band-like structure (12) for releasably engaging a penis (11). Suitably attached and associated with band-like structure (12) are releasable fasteners (15) for detecting a predetermined force in a penile tumescent event whereby penile rigidity or hardness can be measured.

This is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 590,542, filed Mar. 19, 1984, now abandoned, which in turn is a continuation of application Ser. No. 318,373, filed Nov. 5, 1981, now abandoned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting a predetermined force or penile hardness during a penile tumescent event.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Studies have shown that men with psychogenic impotence generally have normal sleep erections, whereas men with organic impotence have sleep erections that correspond to their impaired wake performance. Such studies have alerted the scientific community of the potential usefulness of nocturnal penile tumescent monitoring in the differential diagnosis of sexual impotence. As a result of the recognition that nocturnal penile tumescent monitoring can be of assistance in diagnosing male erectile impotence, various types of devices and techniques for conducting such monitoring have been developed.

In an article entitle "A Simple and Inexpensive Transducer for Quantitative Measurement of Penile Erection During Sleep", Behavior Research Methods and Instrumentation, Volume 1, pages 251-252, 1969, Ismet Karacan describes a mercury strain-gauage tranducer for detecting penile erection. The transducer device is an elastomeric mercury filled tube which is suitably connected to a wheatstone bridge and amplifier circuit for recording purposes. As the transducer changes size during penile erection, its electrical resistance changes thereby causing the amplified output from the wheatstone bridge to change. The amplified changes in the output are recorded enabling penile activity to be recorded.

In an article entitled "Some Characteristics of Nocturnal Penile Tumescence in Young Adults", Archives General Psychiatry, Volume 26, pages 351-356, 1972, Ismet Karacan et al. describes the normative characteristics of nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) in a group of 20 to 26 year old men who were measured during continuous all-night recording utilizing the mercury strain-gauge transducer.

Additionally, a number of devices and procedures for monitoring penile tumescence during sleep are noted and referenced in an article entitled "Sleep Related Penile Tumescence as a Function of Age", American Journal of Psychiatry, Volume 132, page 9, September 1975.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,678 issued to Ismet Karacan et al. an apparatus is disclosed for recording minute variations in mercury strain-gauge transducers positioned at the base and the tip of the penis.

The above-referenced materials relate to nocturnal penile tumesecnce activity and not to the measurement of penile rigidity or hardness during the tumescent event. While it is recognized that nocturnal penile tumescence activity is important to the evaluation of organic impotence, another significant aspect in evaluating organic impotence is the quality or rigidily/hardness achieved during the penile tumescent event.

The mercury strain-gauges described by Ismet Karacan provide a measurement of the changes in penile size during a penile tumesent event by changing their impedance as they expand and contract with variations in the penis circumference. The mercury strain-gauges do not, however, provide for measurement of penile rigidity or hardness since the strain-gauges are very elastomeric. A very slight amount of force will fully expand the strain-gauges just as would a larger amount of force.

In addition, the mercury strain-gauge necessitates a rather elaborate monitoring mechanism. The monitoring normally must occur in a health care facility under the supervision of trained experts. This requires that the patient may be in the health care facility overnight and be subjected to fairly elaborate testing. In addition to creating a substantial imposition on the patient's daily routine, substantial expense is associated with the support facilities and support personnel required to obtain valid test results.

In an article entitled "Nocturnal Penile Tumescence Monitoring with Stamps", Urology, Volume 15, pages 171-172, 1980, a stamp technique is described for detecting complete nocturnal erection for the evaluation of impotence. In this technique, a strip of four postage-type stamps is wrapped snuggly around the penis, and the overlapping stamp is moistened to provide a one half to one stamp overlapping seal. The nocturnal penile tumescent stamps, each one and one quarter by one inch, are made on ten by eight inch sheets of paper having water base glue on the opposite side. The patients or subjects are able to perform the evaluations at home rather than go to the hospital, resulting in substantial financial savings. The article indicated that three nights of inhospital nocturnal penile tumescence testing including direct observation of indicated erections and physicians professional fee, currently cost roughly $500. The stamp testing method costs 30 cents for three nights of outpatient testing.

While the stamp testing method attempts to measure penile rigidity or hardness during a penile tumescent event rather than penile activity, the stamp testing technique does not provide desired accuracy and reproducability. The stamps have a tendency to release after being wetted and stuck together. In addition, the force required to break the perforations between adjacent stamps varies substantially. Thus, the above described stamp technique does not provide a method for accurately detecting a predetermined penile rigidity or hardness.

The present invention offers a safe, simple, accurate and reproducible test which can be used at home and provides a very effective tool in the evaluation of impotence.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a predetermined penile rigidity or hardness in a penile tumescent event. The present invention includes means for releasably engaging a penis and associated means for detecting a predetermined force in the penile tumescent event.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes first and second elongated strips of material which are releasably interconnected to form an adjustable length band-like structure. The adjustable length band-like structure transfers the radial pressure exerted by the penis during a penils tumescent event into a generally linear force roughly tangential to the surface of the band-like structure. the first and second elongated strips of material are releasably interconnected at a first end thereof by a hook-like and loop-like releasable self-gripping fastening material strap material. (Velcro is a registered trademar of Velcro USA Inc.)

The first and second elongated strips of material are releasably interconnected at a second end by a fastener or snap-like drive which releases upon application of a predetermined force. The snap-like device in one preferred embodiment is a linear coupling that locks when a metal penetrater is pushed into a variable hardness noeprene collar and unlocks or releases when the metal penetrater is pulled out. The penetrater is pulled out of the center of the flexible neoprene collar upon application of a predetermined force. The amount of predetermined force required to release the snap-like device is preset by adjusting the flex characteristics of the neoprene collar.

In another preferred embodiment, an elastic retainer such as a piece of elastic thread is interconnected between the first and second elongated strips of material to prevent the loss of the apparatus from the penis after the snap-like device releases.

The present invention enables the detection of penile rigidity or hardness during a penile tumescent event. This type of measurement is not possible with the mercury strain-gauge transducer which merely measures changes in penis size during a penile erection and does not provide any means for measuring the hardness or rigidity of the penis.

In addition, the present invention in its simplest form requires no supporting equipment, special facilities or support personnel. Thus, the present invention provides a simple but effective and accurate technique for detecting penile rigidity or hardness during a penile tumescent event which may be performed while a person is sleeping at home. Because of its simplicity, the subject or patient is not required to take part in inhospital nocturnal penile tumescence testing thereby avoiding substantial cost. In addition, the testing or screening can be performed with very little impact on a person's daily routine or schedule by not requiring the subject to stay overnight in a health care facility. Since there is no tape or other attachments to the body, there is no discomfort to the subject, thereby allowing the subject to attain a restful night's sleep while the testing is performed.

While the stamp testing technique provides a method for detecting a penile tumescent event, the stamp technique is not nearly as accurate or reproducible as the present invention. The perforated stamps have a tendency to break or separate over a broader range force than the snap-like devices utilized in one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the snap devices of the present invention can be varied or preset before use to release at varying incremental levels of predetermined force.

The hook-like and loop-like fabric of the present invention requires a very light pressing force to engage the hook-like material to the loop-like material so as to releasably attach the apparatus to the penis. However, the fabric will remain fastened in the presence of substantial linear forces generally tangential to the surface of the band-like structure. The stamp technique requires that the glue on the backing be wetted and that then the stamp be overlayed so as to form a ring-like structure. The connection formed by the glue on the backing of the stamp is not always reliable and has a tendency to give way. In addition, the stamps cannot be reused should they tear or the glue give way. The present invention, however, is easily refastened should it become accidentally dislodged during placement on the penis or at anytime during the testing period.

In still yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, multiple fasteners can be utilized with the band-like structure. Each fastener device may be releasable at a different predetermined force level thereby providing detection of a plurality of different predetermined forces or levels of penile rigidity or hardness during a penile tumescent event. The stamp technique described above cannot be adjusted predictably in this manner. With the ability to detect a range of predetermined forces, the presence or absence of penile tumescent activity can be detected, and if present, the adequacy of penile erection for vaginal penetration can be assessed.

The present invention is adaptable for use with detection devices having suitable recording instruments capable of recording continuously the magnitude of penile rigidity or hardness during a penile tumescent event. Such a recording instrument might consist of a strip chart recording device similar to that revealed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,670. Such devices would be capable of providing a continuous recording of the force levels during a penile tumescent event. Continuous analog or digital monitoring in addition to determining the penile rigidity or hardness during a penile tumescent event would be able to detect each event and count the number of events over a given period of time.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and objects obtained by its use, reference should be had to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descripitive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, in which like reference numerals and letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views,

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a fastener device in a locked state;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the fastener device in a locked state;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a fastener device in a released state;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top plan view of the present invention having multiple fastener devices shown in a released state;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary top plan view of the present invention having multiple fastener devices in various stages of engagement;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a linear coupling fastener device;

FIG. 8 is a view in perspective of an alternative embodiment of the band-like structure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the band-like structure utilizing two strips of foam-like material suitably interconnected; and

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 9 with the fastener devices imbedded in the foam-like strips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown perspectively in FIG. 1 a preferred embodiment 10 of the present invention suitably attached about the circumference of a penis 11. Although apparatus 10 of the present invention may be any suitable structure releasably engageable with penis 11, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown as being an adjustable bandlike structure 12. Band-like structure 12 is illustrated as being formed from first and second elongated strips of material 13, 14 having first ends 19a, b and second ends 20a, b respectively. First and second elongated strips of material 13, 14 are shown as being overlapped and releasably connected along a portion thereof near first ends 19a, b by a hook-like material 17 and a loop-like material 16. A releasable fastener devie 15 is suitably attached to said band-like structure 12 for retaining said second ends 20a, b of said first and second elongated strips of material 13, 14. In addition, suitably attached near second ends 20a, b of first and second elongated strips 13, 14 and further interconnecting elongated strips 13, 14 is an elastic retainer device 18 which prevents the loss of apparatus 10 when fastener 15 releases. Device 18 might be an elongated piece of elastic material.

More particularly, hook-like material 17 is positioned on the side of second elongated strip 14 removed from penis 11 and loop-like material 16 is positioned on the side of first elongated strip 13 adjacent penis 11. First and second elongated strips 13, 14 are overlapped at first ends 19a, b such that hook-like material 16 and loop-like material 17 make contact with each other. Upon making contact hook-like material 16 and loop-like material 17 operatively interact and cooperate with each other to provide a releasable self-gripping, fastening mechanism or material for releasably connecting near first ends 19a, b first and second elongated strips 13, 14. Hook-like material 16 and loop-like material 17 may be any appropriate material such as Velcro strap material (a registered trademark of Velcro USA Inc.), which is readily attached and detached but which offers substantial resistance to linear shear forces substantially tangential to the circumference of band-lke structure 12.

First and second elongated strips 13, 14 are releasably interconnected at second ends 20a, b by fastener 15. Fastener 15 may be any suitable fastener mechanism. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4, releasable fastener 15 is a snap-like linear coupling device that includes a penetrater portion 30 and a receptacle portion 31. Penetrator 30 is constructed and arranged so as to be releasbly inserted in receptacle 31. Fastener 15 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 as having two states of operation, the lock or closed position in which penetrater 30 is inserted in receptacle 31 and the unlocked or open position in which penetrator 30 is removed or released from receptacle 31.

Penetrater 30 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 2 has a base or collar portion 32 suitably connected to a ring-like structure 33 near second end 20b of second elongated strip 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4, ring-like structure 33 is suitably attached to the surface of band-like structure 12 by any suitable method. This might include sewing ring-like structure 33 onto the surface of band-like structure 12. Penetrator portion 30 further includes a narrow intermediate stem-like portion 34 interconnecting base portion 32 with an enlarged head portion 35. Receptacle 31 may be a hollow rigid cylinder 36 open at one end thereof. Cylinder 36 is suitably attached to a ring-like structure 37 which in turn is suitably attached to the surface of band-like structure 12 near second end 20a of first elongated strip 13. Cylinder 36 has a flexible inner liner 38 having a collar portion adjacent the opening into cylinder 36. Collar portion 39 forms a reduced aperture or opening leading into cylinder 36. Inner liner 38 and collar portion 39 may be made of any suitable flexible material such as neoprene.

When a generally linear force, which has a tendency to separate or pull apart penetrator 30 and 31, fastener 15 will remain in a locked condition until a predetermined force is applied, at which time fastener 15 will unlock. The predetermined force is determined and preset before use by adjusting the flex characteristics of collar portion 39. Fastener 15 can be adjusted to unlock within a very narrow range of predetermined force.

At second ends 20a, b of elongated strips 13, 14 hook-like material 16 and loop-like material 17 do not make contact and thus do not form a self-gripping connection near ends 20a, b. Fastener 15 while in a locked configuration is the only structure restraining second ends 20a, b such that the configuration of band-like structure 12 is maintained. Thus, all force tangential to the surface of band-like structure 12 about the circumference thereof is applied to fastener 15 and thus detected by fastener 15.

It should be noted that although the structure of fastener 15 has been described in some detail, any suitable releasable fastener may be utilized with the present invention. In addition, although hook-like material 16 and loop-like material 17 have been described, any suitable method for forming band-like structure 12 may be utilized. Indeed, apparatus 10 may have any suitable structure or configuration which is capable of detecting a predetermined radial pressure of penis 11 which is indicative of the hardness or rigidity of penis 11 during a penile tumescent event.

In one emodiment multiple fasteners 15 may be utilized. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 the receptacle portions 31 of one preferred embodiment are staggered longitudinally along the surface of band-like structure 12 while the penetrator portions 30 are aligned transversely along the surface of band-like structure 12. At any time only one of fasteners 15 is resisting or opposing the linear force being applied due to the penile tumescent event. Each of the multiple fsteners 15 may be preset to release at differing predetermined forces. Thus fasteners 15 will release at a plurality of different specific force levels during a penile tumescent event yielding a more reliable screening test as to the level of penil rigidity or hardness achieved. The capability to detect a range of release forces, in addition to enabling detection of the absence or presence of a penile tumescent event, enables a more thorough evaluation of the adequacy of penile hardness or rigidity for vaginal penetration.

Illustrated in FIG. 8 is yet another embdoiment of a structure for forming an adjustable band-like structure 12. Apertures 50 are defined in a first elongated strip 56 of material. Projections 51 suitably constructed and arranged for releasable insertion into said apertures 50 are positioned on a second elongated strip 57. Projections 51 are inserted into apertures 50 so as to form a releasable connection which offers substantial resistance to linear shear forces. Fastener 15 is suitably attached to elongated strips 56 and 57.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a further embodiment of band-like structure 12 including two elongated portions of foam-like material 52. Elongated portions 52 may have a loop-like material 53 about the circumference or a portion thereof. Elongated portions 52 may also be made of a foam-like material with a loop-like surface or texture. Elongated foam portions 52 are then releasably interconnected by a piece of material 54 having a hooklike surface 55 as shown in FIG. 9 where the end of material 54 is folded back to reveal hook-like surface 55. Fastener 15 is suitably embedded in the ends of foam-like material portions 52.

It should be noted that the present invention may utilize a detection mechanism connected to suitable recording instruments capable of providing a continuous analog or digital recording of the forces detected during a penile tumescent event, whereby penile hardness or rigidity can be continuously monitored and recorded for sequential penile tumescent events. Such detection devices might, for example, change impedence as the level of the force changes thereby generating responsive signals indicative of penile hardness or rigidity which can be amplified and transmitted through a suitable recording device.

In use, the present invention is sent home with the patient or subject for use at night while sleeping. The patient places band-like structure 12 about the circumference of penis 11 such that band-like structure fits snug and will not easily slip off. The present invention is constructed and arranged so as to be flexible and adaptable such that band-like structure 12 may be applied while penis 11 is in a flaccid state which is normally the state of penis 11 when apparatus 10 is applied. Penetrater 30 of fastener 15 is inserted into receptacle 31. The opposite ends 19a, b of band-like structure 12 are then overlapped and lightly pressed together such that band-like structure 12 fits snuggly onto penis 11. The light pressing of the ends together enables hook-like material 16 and loop-like material 17 to make contact thereby forming a releasble self-gripping attachment. The patient or subject then goes to sleep and in the morning observes whether fastener 15 is in an open or closed state, thereby indicating whether a predetermined level of penile rigidity or hardness was detected during a penile tumescent event.

The present invention thus provides a reliable and easy to use apparatus for nocturnal penile tumescent monitoring of penile rigidity or hardness. Fasteners 15 can be made to release consistently and accurately within a narrow range of force levels. The present invention is easy to use and reliable in that it requires that the patient merely press together the ends of the elongated strips of material so as to form a band-like structure 12 which fits snugly onto varying sizes of penises. The self-gripping material of the present invention provides substantial resistance to linear shear forces about the circumference of band-like structure 12 but is easily activated by merely pressing the material lightly together or separated by pulling apart. In addition, the present invention can easily be attached should it become accidentally dislodged during placement on penis 11.

The present invention also enables the detection of multiple levels of force during a penile tumescent event. This enables the presence or absence of penile tumescent activity to be detected and if present, the adaquacy of penile hardness or rigidity for vaginal penetration to be more accurately assessed.

Significant also is that the present invention allows screening or testing of individual in a safe and effective manner for psychogenic or organic impotence while the individuals are at home. This will enable and encourage more individuals to utilize this screening technique as the screening can be inexpensively and readily performed.

It should be understood that even through the numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principle of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for measuring rigidity of a penis in a penile tumescent event, comprising:(a) band means for encircling at least a major portion of the circumference of the penis, and (b) detection means attached to a surface of the band means for detecting and recording the occurence of multiple levels of predetermined force urging the band means toward a larger diameter, the multiple levels of predetermined force corresponding to multiple levels of predetermined penile rigidity.
 2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the detection means is entirely mechanical, requiring no electrical elements.
 3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the detection means has a tensile strength less than the band means.
 4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the band means comprises a flexible strip of material having first and second end portions and means for mounting the flexible strip of material on the penis, the detection means interconnecting the first and second end portions whereby as the multiple levels of predetermined force urge the first and second end portions away from one another, the multiple levels of predetermined force are detected and recorded by the detection means.
 5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the first and second end portions of the flexible strip of material are further interconnected by an elastic device.
 6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein the flexible strip of material comprises first and second stips interconnected to each other.
 7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein the first and second strips are adjustably interconnectable and releasable a plurality of times, wherby the diameter of the band structure can be adjusted.
 8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein the first and second strips overlap one another, and disposed on overlapping surfaces of the first and second strips are hook material means and loop material means for releasably attaching the overlapping surfaces of the first and second strips to one another, thereby allowing repeated release and attachment of the first and second strips.
 9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the detection means includes a plurality of detection elements each capable of measuring a different level of predetermined force.
 10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the detection elements are configured and attached to the band means such that at any given moment less than all of the detection elements are placed under tension.
 11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the detection elements each have a width less than that of the band means.
 12. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the detection means has a plurality of states corresponding to the detection of the predetermined multiple levels of penile rigidity.
 13. A method for measuring penile rigidity of a penis, comprising:(a) positioning about the circumference of the penis band means having detection means attached to a surface of the band means for detecting and recording the occurrence of multiple levels of predetermined force urging the band means toward a larger diameter, the predetermined levels of force corresponding to predetermined levels of penile rigidity; and (b) monitoring the detection means to determine the multiple levels of determined rigidity detected by the detection means.
 14. A method in accordance with claim 13, wherein the monitoring step includes the step of observing the detection means to see if the detection means have one of two states, separated or non-separated. 